All salads are NOT created equal. The significant portion of modern society that seems to consider salads and veggies as tasteless “diet foods” could not be more off. Don’t get me wrong, I agree that the iceberg wedge with dressing that you find at some restaurants is far from substantial. However, that depiction does not even come close to representing what a bowl of veggies and toppings can be.
The protein-packed mixed veggie bowls that I love to enjoy can hardly be considered salads. Loaded with a variety of energizing and delicious, pure foods, they basically define nourishment. Not to mention how incredibly quick and easy they are to prepare! My “power” bowls generally contain a mix of the following ingredients:
-Raw, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce.
-Flavorful cooked vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, asparagus, zucchini, squash, broccoli, etc., that have been roasted or sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
-Vibrant raw veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, etc.
-Healthy fats in the form of avocado, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and a healthy dressing, such as my favorite made from tahini, olive oil, and fresh lemon (recipe below).
-Protein in the form of beans (crunchy roasted chickpeas are my favorite), hummus, tahini, lentils, seeds, nutritional yeast, quinoa, organic eggs, etc.
-Carbohydrates from beans, lentils, peas, sweet potatoes, whole grains, etc.
The concept of building a meal by tossing a mixture of your favorite nutritious foods into a bowl is a great one. More than anything, it reminds me of the concoctions my mom has always prepared for herself when strapped for time. The following recipe contains my absolute favorite combination of ingredients (many of which can be cut and prepared in advance!). Almost any dressing will compliment this bowl, from a vinaigrette to pure hummus alone, but I strongly urge you to try the lemon-tahini dressing. Its creamy texture and unique flavor is perfection here!
I would love feedback on the recipe and combination! What do you put in your bowl?!
I love all your recipes! Thank you so much! You are the best!
Thank you so much Barbara! That means a lot!
This looks like an excellent recipe and I’d like to try it…but one question. What is nutritional yeast, does it make a big difference in the recipe? I’be never tried it before. Thanks!
Thank you! Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that is fortified with B vitamins and has a cheesy flavor. It is yummy, but it won’t make a big difference in the recipe if you leave it out. I hope you enjoy it!